Description
Create your own flavorful and customizable homemade spicy curry blends with this easy no-cook recipe. Featuring a robust base of ground coriander, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and cayenne pepper, this spice mix can be tailored with optional add-ins inspired by Indian, Thai, or Caribbean cuisine. Perfect for enhancing meats, lentils, vegetables, and curry sauces, this blend offers heat and complexity with every sprinkle.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Spicy Curry Blend:
- 2 tablespoons ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon turmeric
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
Optional Add-Ins (per regional style):
- Indian-Inspired: 1 teaspoon fenugreek, 1 teaspoon mustard seeds (crushed), 1/2 teaspoon amchur (dried mango powder)
- Thai-Inspired: 1 tablespoon lemongrass powder, 1 teaspoon kaffir lime zest, 1/2 teaspoon galangal
- Caribbean-Inspired: 1 teaspoon allspice, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, a pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
- Combine Base Spices: In a small bowl or spice jar, combine all the base blend ingredients including ground coriander, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, cloves, and cardamom.
- Mix Thoroughly: Stir or shake the mixture until all the spices are evenly blended, ensuring a consistent flavor throughout the blend.
- Add Optional Regional Spices (if desired): Depending on your preferred cuisine style, add Indian-inspired spices such as fenugreek and mustard seeds; Thai-inspired powders like lemongrass and kaffir lime zest; or Caribbean-inspired additions including allspice and dried thyme. Mix well to combine.
- Store the Blend: Transfer the finished spice mix to an airtight container. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain freshness for up to 6 months.
- Use in Cooking: Use 1 to 2 tablespoons of the curry blend per dish, adjusting to taste based on your preferred heat and flavor intensity. Consider toasting the spices briefly before use to enhance aroma, if desired.
Notes
- This curry blend complements a variety of dishes including meats, lentils, vegetables, and curry sauces.
- Toasting the spices for 1–2 minutes in a dry pan before mixing can enhance their aroma and deepen the flavor.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your preferred spice level for heat tolerance.
